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SGS Automates 80% of Cross-Border Classification Process with Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service

November 12, 2023

SGS is one of the first companies within the testing, inspection and certification (TIC) industry to implement Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service in a business application. 

The classification process for cross-border products can be tedious and time-consuming, and furthermore often ends in inaccurate results, which have financial and reputational consequences.

This is why SGS’s Connectivity & Products team is integrating Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service, improving the service that qualifies and categorizes products. Going from 30% to 80% automation, this enhancement has more than doubled the automatic prediction rate. This improvement is crucial to benefit global trade as it aids in accurate tax collection, quota application and deal negotiations. 

The benefit to the customer of using Azure OpenAI Service as part of this process is that it is faster, improves accuracy and better manages local specificities. This enhancement also benefits SGS employees by automating tasks in the process, making it faster and more reliable, and therefore allowing employees to spend more time on value-added tasks, generating shareholder value. 

Announced in January 2022, the collaboration between Microsoft and SGS on innovative digital solutions for the TIC industry shows the commitment of SGS to its digital transformation, ensuring the delivery of concrete customized solutions for its customers.

Montserrat Martinez, Vice President, Trade Facilitation Services, SGS said: "This is an expected and natural step within the service digitalization process that SGS has been following for a few years now. By developing these types of solutions, we help our clients with the challenging demands arising from the rise of international e-commerce. Our collaboration with Microsoft means access to cutting-edge technology, enabling us to develop even better tools for our clients to tackle the challenges they face in today's dynamic business landscape. SGS remains committed to delivering value through innovation and leading the way in the digital transformation of the TIC industry."

Sonja Meindl, Enterprise Commercial Director, Microsoft said: “SGS uses the transformative power of AI, the defining technology of our age. By integrating Azure OpenAI into their operations, they're not only elevating the experience for customers and employees but also empowering their staff to focus on more meaningful tasks, using AI as a copilot in this digital journey.”

SGS is committed to finding digital solutions with the aim to become the digital leader in the TIC industry, enabling a better, safer and more interconnected world. 

About SGS

We are SGS – the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for sustainability, quality and integrity. Our 98,000 employees operate a network of 2,650 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world.

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